Schools Increase Security with Special 3M Window Film

These days, when school is in, it's important to make sure intruders stay out.

"It's all about security," said Todd Flanders, the headmaster at Providence Academy in Plymouth. "We've got people's most precious valuables here."

After the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, Providence Academy raised $75,000 to upgrade security. About $13,000 went to purchasing 1,200 square feet of a special film that covers their windows.

It's called Safety and Security Film, and it's made by 3M. More than a dozen schools in-state already use it. Hundreds of schools across the country are too. The film is meant to cover existing windows. Once applied, if someone breaks the window, the film will hold the glass together and make it harder for an intruder to break through.

"The intent is to slow an intruder," summed up 3M's Bill Pettit. "Once you've hit it, it takes you up to two minutes to get through it, and that gives you precious time inside the building to implement any kind of security protocols that you have."

At Providence, the hope is that their window film is never put the test, but just in case, they say they're ready.

"We think that deterrents and preparedness together are what make us safe," Flanders said.

3M says the window film is seven to 10 times less expensive than getting new windows installed. The exact price varies, depending on the size of your window. Covering a small one could cost as little as $100, a really large window could cost $1,000.